2016 Audi Q5
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 0 |
| 2009 | 31 |
| 2010 | 99 |
| 2011 | 143 |
| 2012 | 168 |
| 2013 | 89 |
| 2014 | 105 |
| 2015 | 99 |
| 2016 | 77 |
| 2017 | 42 |
| 2018 | 202 |
| 2019 | 50 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 71 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 42 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
34% of complaints: engine — 26 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. AS I DID SO, THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD STRIKING A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND THE CAR WAS WRITTEN OFF BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190928
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
13% of complaints: steering — 10 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Driving on May 20, 2026 near my home in Florida, power steering assist failed suddenly making it very difficult to steer. Red light on dashboard lit up indicating steering failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260717
13% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE12% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIRE10% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2016 Audi Q5. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230908
SAFETY TIMELINE
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5, A5 Cabriolet and Q5 vehicles, 2013-2016 Audi Allroad and Audi A4 vehicles and 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will update the software so that the power supply to the coolant pump is deactivated if the pump becomes blocked with debris, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 20, 2017.
Campaign 17V002000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Audi Q5 vehicles.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator and either coat it or replace it, as necessary, after removing the surrounding foam, free of charge. The recall is expected to began March 2017.
Campaign 17V001000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2013-2017 Audi Q5 and 2013-2017 Audi Q7 vehicles. These gasoline-powered vehicles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, allowing fuel to leak.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump flange if cracks are present. Flanges that do not have cracks will have a protective film applied. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began July 3, 2017.
Campaign 17V298000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A5 Coupe, A5 Cabriolet, A4 Sedan, A4 Allroad and Q5 vehicles.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the auxiliary heater and, as necessary, update the software, free of charge. The Recall began November 27, 2017. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
Campaign 17V622000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Audi A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sedan and Audi Q5 vehicles, 2012-2015 Audi A6 vehicles and 2013-2016 Audi A4 Sedan and A4 allroad vehicles.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pumps, free of charge. The recall began September 14, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number's for this recall is 19N3/19N4.
Campaign 18V229000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2016 Audi Q5 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (26 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 17V002000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V001000 (air bags, visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V298000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V622000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V229000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
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WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2016 Audi Q5 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Audi Q5 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Audi Q5?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Audi Q5 have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.